Niantic has announced the details for Pokémon GO Fest 2021: Raid Day which takes place on Sunday, July 18th, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. Every Legendary Pokémon discovered in Pokémon GO so far will be appearing in five-star raids during Pokémon GO Fest 2021!

Pokémon GO Fest 2021: Raid Day will feature every Legendary Pokémon discovered in Pokémon GO so far!

Trainers, We’ve received reports that every Legendary Pokémon discovered in Pokémon GO so far will be appearing in five-star raids during Pokémon GO Fest 2021! Strange, right? This sort of thing hasn’t happened in the world of Pokémon GO before, so we’re just as puzzled as you are. Hopefully we’ll get some answers during the event as to why this is happening. Please note that it might be challenging to battle and catch every Legendary Pokémon in the allotted time frame, so plan accordingly!

Date + Time
Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time

• Legendary Pokémon will be appearing globally in five-star raids! Each Pokémon will be appearing during one of four themed hours that will be on a rotation throughout the event.
  • During Wind Hour, occurring from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time, Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, Latias, Latios, Regigigas, Altered Forme Giratina, Cresselia, and Therian Forme Tornadus will be appearing in five-star raids.
  • During Lava Hour, occurring from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Moltres, Entei, Regirock, Groudon, Heatran, Reshiram, Therian Forme Landorus, and Yveltal will be appearing in five-star raids.
  • During Frost Hour, occurring from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, Articuno, Suicune, Lugia, Regice, Kyogre, Palkia, and Kyurem will be appearing in five-star raids. Plus, Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf will be appearing in five-star raids in the regions that they normally appear in!
  • During Thunder Hour, occurring from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, Zapdos, Raikou, Registeel, Rayquaza, Dialga, Therian Forme Thundurus, Zekrom, and Xerneas will be appearing in five-star raids.
  • Mythical Pokémon will not be appearing in five-star raids.
  
  

While all Trainers will be able to participate in this raid extravaganza regardless of whether they have a Pokémon GO Fest 2021 ticket, ticket holders will enjoy the following benefits.

• Earn an extra 10,000 XP for winning a Raid Battle.
• Spin Gym Photo Discs to earn up to 10 Raid Passes. These can be used for in-person raids.
• Complete Timed Research to earn up to eight Remote Raid Passes. These can be used to join a raid remotely.
• Pick up an event bundle containing three Remote Raid Passes! The bundle will be available in the shop on Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.

Tickets are available now! Remember: there’s a ton to look forward to with raids this summer! Be sure to check out all the exciting updates to raids we have in store.

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/pokemongofest2021-raidday/?hl=en

Niantic has announced some changes to Raids in Pokémon GO that will be impleted in the summer of 2021 including: Trainer Achievements, Art and user experience updates as well as various quality-of-life updates.

Together We Raid: A Summer of Updates in Celebration of Raid Battles

Trainers, Ever since we introduced Raid Battles in the summer of 2017, tens of millions of Trainers around the world have raided together to defeat and catch powerful Pokémon. In 2020, we introduced Remote Raid Passes and the ability to invite friends to raid with you from anywhere in the world. Now, in celebration of four years of Raid Battles and five years of Pokémon GO, we’re excited to announce the latest raid-related updates.

Updates to Raid Battles rolling out this summer
Raid Battles will see the following updates.

• Trainer Achievements: Complete certain actions during a raid and you may be featured afterwards!
• Art and user experience updates: Raids will look better than ever.
• Various quality-of-life updates will be implemented.

Trainer Achievements are designed to celebrate Trainers of all levels for taking part in a raid. For example, at the conclusion of a raid, Trainers who dealt the most damage or used a Mega-Evolved Pokémon will be showcased for being valuable participants in the battle.

Here’s a list of some feats that can earn you a Trainer Achievement after a raid.

• Delivering the final attack
• Dealing the most damage overall
• Keeping a single Pokémon in battle for the longest time of all participants
• Using the tallest Pokémon among all participants in battle
• Joining the raid from furthest distance
• Using a Mega-Evolved Pokémon during the battle
• Changing your avatar’s clothing or pose
• Using the most Charged Attacks of all participants

The first time you earn a Trainer Achievement, you’ll receive a medal that you can level up from bronze, to silver, and finally to gold. You can even download your Trainer Achievement Card featuring your avatar to share with your friends on social media and more.

Art and UX updates are also coming to raids, and the way Raid Battles look will be getting a makeover ahead of the summer. The stadium where Raid Battles take place will have a whole new look, and there will be other visual updates as well.

It’s going to be an action-packed summer, Trainers! Regigigas—previously available only in EX Raids and as a Special Research story encounter—will be available to encounter in five-star raids until Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Grab some friends and take on this Legendary Pokémon together! Be sure to also follow our social media channels to track the journeys of other Trainers as they take on Raid Battles and be on the lookout for more raid announcements coming soon.

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/togetherweraid/?hl=en

Niantic has announced that the COVID-19 bonuses that were implemented 15 months ago for Pokémon GO are coming to an end. There will be new exploration bonuses replacing them though.

Exploration Bonus Updates Coming to Pokémon GO

Trainers, One of the delights of Pokémon GO is finding Pokémon in the real world—walking around, discovering new places, meeting up with groups of friends to raid or battle together. At their core, all of Niantic’s games are built around the ideas of exploration, exercise, and playing with friends.

As we said last month, how we all play changed a lot in the past 15 months. With the onset of the global pandemic, we realized that we had to change the model for all of our games. We could no longer take going outside and meeting people for granted.

We learned a lot. Thank you for coming along with us as we continue to navigate through this together.

Today, as some parts of the world are moving toward recovery, we’re announcing:

• New exploration bonuses that make it more rewarding to play outside are coming over the next several months, including bonuses for spinning stops, playing at in-person raids, and getting in those steps.
• Bonuses introduced last year that we plan to remove or change, tested first in the U.S. and New Zealand, followed by other countries and regions based on local conditions.
• Bonuses introduced last year that we are planning on keeping, including first catch of the day bonuses, GO Battle League and Trainer Battle requirements, and more.

We’ll only remove temporary bonuses introduced last year after Pokémon GO Fest 2021, starting in the United States and New Zealand. We wanted to give you an advance heads up of what’s coming and our thinking behind it, as we said last November.

We’re committed to doing this in a staggered way, when it makes sense for each place in the world, to help people play safely. As we return to the outside world again, these changes are aimed at restoring the focus of Pokémon GO on movement and exploration in the real world. These changes will be introduced slowly and carefully to make it more exciting to explore the world around you.

New exploration bonuses for playing together in the real world
Starting at the end of July, the following exploration bonuses will roll out to Trainers for testing first in the U.S. and New Zealand. Trainers will:

• Receive up to two free Raid Passes per day from spinning Gym Photo Discs.
• Benefit from increased Incense effectiveness while moving.
• Be guaranteed gifts when spinning PokéStops so long as they have not reached their maximum gift inventory.
• Receive 10x bonus XP from spinning a PokéStop for the first time.

These bonuses will end when the Season of Discovery wraps up September 1, 2021. Some of these bonuses may stay rolling into the following season, and new bonuses will become available as well.

We’ll make these bonuses available in other countries and regions as it’s safe to do so. We understand that every place is different. Rest assured, we will be monitoring the situation and activating appropriate bonuses when and where available. Because of this, Trainers may experience different bonuses at different times. To see which exploration bonuses are available to you, check out your Today View.

Bonuses introduced last year that we plan to remove or change
Over the next few months, we’re planning to remove or change some of the bonuses introduced last year. We will not make these changes until after Pokémon GO Fest in July, and we will remove them first as a test in the U.S. and New Zealand starting at the end of July. We will remove or change them on a rolling basis in other countries and regions over time, and at the same time introduce new exploration bonuses.

• Over the past year, Incense effectiveness was increased to attract Pokémon to you more frequently, even if you weren't able to leave home. After the change, this effectiveness will be set at the standard level when you’re stationary and increased effectiveness will kick in when you are moving.
• Previously, your Buddy Pokémon brought you more Gifts each day, up to five gifts at once and up to three times a day. This was because we knew Trainers were running low on supplies like Poké Balls and berries to help them catch Pokémon. As we move to encouraging Trainers to play outside more, they can continue to receive supplies from spinning PokéStops. After the change, the frequency of these gifts from Buddy Pokémon will be reduced.
• Previously, PokéStop and Gym interaction distances were increased, to enable people to engage from further away. After this change the distance will revert back to the standard distance, when it makes sense in different places, though may be increased during future events and as part of certain features.

Remote Raids have become an important part of the game this past year and we’re going to continue evolving them. Our intention is to find the right balance between remote play and in-person play, so stay tuned for more details in the coming months. Many of these in-person raid changes will be to prepare for the eventual return of EX Raids.

Bonuses introduced last year that we are planning on keeping
Some of the changes that were introduced in the past year resonated well with our Trainers and will provide continued value as countries and regions begin to open back up. These changes will remain as standard parts of the game for the foreseeable future, some of which were previously announced:

• Incense duration will remain at 60 minutes.
• No walking requirement for GO Battle League.
• You can challenge any Trainer remotely with a QR Code, and the requirement to battle with friends remotely has been lowered to Good Friends.
• The maximum number of Gifts you can carry in your Item Bag at a time will remain at 20.
• Trainers will be able to open up to 30 Gifts per day, up from the previous 20.
• You will continue to receive three times the Stardust and XP for your first Pokémon catch of the day.

The path ahead will have some twists and turns, but we are committed to being clear about how and why Pokémon GO will evolve in the future.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/hello-world-pokemon-go

Niantic has announced that Tepig will be the July 2021 Community Day Pokémon and the event will take place on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

Get fired up for Tepig Community Day!

Trainers, We’re excited to announce that Tepig, the Fire Pig Pokémon, will be featured during July’s Community Day event!

Date + Time
Saturday, July 3, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Tepig will be appearing more frequently in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!
• Evolve Pignite (Tepig’s Evolution) during the event or up to two hours afterward to get an Emboar that knows the Charged Attack Blast Burn.
• Take a few snapshots during Community Day for a surprise!
• There’ll be a special one-time-purchase Community Day Box available for 1,280 PokéCoins, featuring 50 Ultra Balls, five Incense, five Star Pieces, and an Elite Charged TM.
• For US//media.pocketmonsters.net/news/5029/tepig.jpg.00 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll be able to access the Tepig Community Day-exclusive Special Research story, Roasted Berries.
• Stay tuned for when tickets for the Roasted Berries Special Research story go live! Tickets are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service). Please note that this Special Research will not include an in-game medal.

Bonuses

• 3× Catch Stardust
• Incense activated during the event will last for three hours
• Lure Modules activated during the event will last for three hours

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/communityday-jul21/?hl=en

A special Pikachu wearing an Okinawan kariyushi shirt will be appearing in Pokémon GO starting July 22nd, 2021. Shiny Corsola will also be appearing in Pokémon GO for the first time starting July 22nd, 2021.

Shiny Corsola is appearing for the first time in Pokémon GO!

Trainers, The Pokémon Company has launched Pokémon Air Adventures, an initiative started in Japan that helps create wonderful travel memories. To celebrate, in Okinawa, Japan, a special Pikachu wearing an Okinawan kariyushi shirt will be appearing in Pokémon GO starting July 22! This Pikachu will be appearing for over a year, so if you are able to travel and get the chance to visit Okinawa, you can try looking for one! Just like with the Pikachu wearing a kariyushi shirt, we’re looking to introduce more costumed Pokémon that are available only in certain regions of the world, so please keep an eye out for more news!

Shiny Corsola will also be appearing in Pokémon GO for the first time starting July 22! Corsola can be encountered only in certain regions. If you're lucky, you might soon find a Shiny Corsola! There is no time limit planned for this appearance, so when you're able to travel to a region where Corsola appears in the wild, you can venture out to search for a Shiny one!

Pokémon Air Adventures is an initiative that helps create wonderful travel memories. We hope that when people can travel, Pokémon Air Adventures can be an opportunity to help them enjoy traveling even more.

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/flying-pikachu-2021/?hl=en

Niantic has announced that a real-time sky mechanic that mimics a player’s sky light based on their geographical location will be added to Pokémon GO later in the summer of 2021. Also, additional Pokédex classifications to keep track of different Pokémon variants and attributes will be added.

Revamped Pokémon GO homepage, upcoming in-game updates, and more!

Trainers, Notice anything different about our homepage? It’s got a whole new look! In addition, some Trainers around the world will be able to test out the following features. These features will roll out to all Trainers later this summer.

• A real-time sky mechanic that mimics a player’s sky light based on their geographical location
• Additional Pokédex classifications to keep track of different Pokémon variants and attributes

We’ll provide updates on our social channels about our upcoming fifth anniversary celebrations, so stay tuned!

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/webpagerefresh-2021/?hl=en

Niantic has announced that Bidoof will be breaking out and Shiny Bidoof are coming to Pokémon GO from Friday, June 25th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday, July 1st, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Bidoof will be breaking out, and Shiny Bidoof is coming—BIDOOF!

Trainers, Bidoof are coming. We have no idea where they’re coming from or what their aim is, but during the Bidoof Breakout event starting Friday, June 25, 2021, Bidoof will be appearing more often in the wild, they might know attacks they can’t normally learn, and Shiny Bidoof will be making its Pokémon GO debut! How many Bidoof will you catch? When will it end? Read on for more details. Good luck—you’re going to need it.

Date + Time
Friday, June 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Bidoof will be appearing more often in the wild, in raids, and in encounters after you complete event-exclusive Field Research! If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Bidoof! Our preliminary research suggests that the rate at which Bidoof will be appearing in the wild will increase over the course of the event.
• On certain days of the event, Bidoof you encounter will know attacks that they normally cannot learn. On Thursday, July 1, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, you can use a Charged TM to teach Bidoof any of these attacks. After the event, you can use an Elite Charged TM to do the same. During each of the times listed below, you can encounter Bidoof that know the following attacks.
  • Shadow Ball: From Friday, June 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time
  • Thunderbolt: From Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, June 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time
  • Ice Beam: From Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 12:00 a.m. to Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time
  
  
• Evolve Bidoof anytime during the event to get a Bibarel that knows Hyper Beam.
• Team GO Rocket has plans to cash in on the Bidoof Breakout and have turned more Bidoof into Shadow Pokémon, so get out there and save those Bidoof!
• You’ll be able to get Bidoof Gift stickers from spinning PokéStops and opening Gifts.

Bonuses
On certain days throughout the week, different in-game bonuses will be available!

• 2× Catch XP: From Friday, June 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time
• 3× Catch XP: From Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, June 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time
• 4× Catch XP: From Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 12:00 a.m. to Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time

Keep an eye out for more details on what’s to come Bidoof-wise on Monday, June 28, 2021! Ready or not, the Bidoof are coming. It’s an inevitable fact—an indomitable truth, even—and we must prepare. Let’s GO!

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/bidoof-breakout-2021/

Niantic has announced that Regigigas is coming to five-star raids in Pokémon GO from Thursday, June 17th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 20th, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

It’s a solstice surprise: Regigigas is coming to five-star raids!

Trainers, To celebrate the days getting longer in one hemisphere and the nights following suit in the other, Pokémon GO’s solstice-themed event is returning! Depending on which hemisphere you’re playing in, you’ll be able to encounter and catch different Pokémon during this event.

Date + Time
Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Regigigas is coming to five-star raids! From Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time, you can encounter Regigigas in five-star raids. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one! Raid-related Field Research will also be available from PokéStops exclusively during this window.
• Trainers globally will be able to encounter Lunatone, Solrock, Spheal, and more in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter Snorlax!
• Trainers in the northern hemisphere will be able to encounter the following Pokémon in the wild: Yanma, Chimchar, Summer Form Deerling, and more. If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Yanma!
• Trainers in the southern hemisphere will be able to encounter the following Pokémon in the wild: Snorunt, Snover, Winter Form Deerling, and more. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Snorunt!
• The following Pokémon will be appearing in raids in the northern hemisphere: Alolan Marowak, Yanma, Petilil, and more.
• The following Pokémon will be appearing in raids in the southern hemisphere: Lapras, Piloswine, Snorunt, and more.
• The following Pokémon will be appearing in raids worldwide: Lunatone, Solrock, Klink, and more.
• Complete event-exclusive Field Research tasks to earn rewards like encounters with Yanma in the northern hemisphere, encounters with Snorunt in the southern hemisphere, and even Silver Pinap Berries if you’re lucky!
• Take a few snapshots for a surprise!

Bonuses

• Lunatone and Solrock will be appearing in the wild around the world during the event. Afterwards, Lunatone will be appearing exclusively in the eastern hemisphere, and Solrock will be appearing exclusively in the western hemisphere.
• Your Buddy will be eager to help you on your adventures! During the event, they’ll give you gift items and Poké Balls more frequently.
• The walking distance required to earn hearts with your buddy will be halved.

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/solstice-2021/

Niantic has announced that a Special Raid Weekend will take place from Saturday, June 12th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 13th, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time in Pokémon GO. Players will be able to earn bonus Candy and find more raids!

Special Raid Weekend incoming: Earn bonus Candy and Candy XL, and find more raids!

Trainers, Get ready for a Special Raid Weekend, where you will be able to earn bonus Candy and find more raids!

Date + Time
Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time

Bonuses

• Earn twice the Candy for catching Pokémon
• Trainers level 40 and above will have three times the chance to obtain Candy XL from catching Pokémon
• Raids will be happening more frequently, including five-star raids and Mega Raids

As a reminder, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel will be appearing in raids until Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Happy raiding!

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/bonusxlcandy2021

Niantic has announced that A Very Slow Discovery event will take place from Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 13th, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time and Galarian Slowpoke will be making its Pokémon GO debut.

The Season of Discovery begins with a very slow event

Trainers, Sometimes the best adventure is a slow one. In the upcoming A Very Slow Discovery event, you’ll be able to take inspiration from the very same Pokémon that inspired us: Slowpoke. A Very Slow Discovery will feature Slowpoke, Galarian Slowpoke, Mega Slowbro, and Galarian Slowbro! Some of the other Pokémon appearing during this event are quite slow and active as well.

Date + Time
Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Galarian Slowpoke will be making its Pokémon GO debut! You can evolve it into Galarian Slowbro by catching 30 Poison-type Pokémon when it’s your buddy. We’ve heard reports that Galarian Slowking is taking its time to make its Pokémon GO appearance. You could even say its arrival might be quite...slow.
• Mega Slowbro will make its Pokémon GO debut in Mega Raids! Keep an eye out for event-exclusive Field Research tasks that’ll reward Slowbro Mega Energy.
• Slowpoke, Slakoth, Gulpin, Spoink, and more will be appearing more often in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Slowbro or Vigoroth!
• Galarian Slowpoke, Alolan Grimer, Shellder, Shinx, and Timburr will be appearing in one-star raids. Snorlax, Slowking, Slaking, and Toxicroak will be appearing in three-star raids.
• Collect event-exclusive Field Research that’ll challenge you to complete difficult tasks for some very slow rewards.
• Complete a Slowpoke-themed Collection Challenge during the event to get the exclusive Slowpoke Forever Shirt avatar item, 30 Ultra Balls, and 3,000 XP.
• Pick up other Slowpoke-inspired avatar items in the shop!
• Spin PokéStops and open Gifts to collect new Slowpoke-themed Gift stickers to send to your friends.
• Be sure to pick up an event-exclusive free box in the shop that’ll contain 20 Poké Balls, 10 Great Balls, and a King’s Rock.

A nice, meandering walk where you really take in your surroundings can be a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Be sure to share your slow but active adventures with us with #PokemonGO. Let’s GO!

Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/a-very-slow-discovery/?hl=en